Pick 'n Pay profit flat, outlook tough

Shares of the company fell nearly 2 percent after the results  yesterday, becoming the biggest percentage loser on Johannesburg's Top-40 index. South Africa last year exited its first recession in nearly two decades, but household finances remain under pressure and retail sales have been worse than economists expected.

Pick 'n Pay rival Shoprite said in February it saw little likely improvement in market conditions this year as consumers battle job losses and high levels of debt.